New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu has expressed her sorrow regarding the stampede incident at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj that occurred early this morning. In a statement on X, she extended her condolences to the injured devotees’ families and prayed for a swift recovery for those affected.
प्रयागराज महाकुंभ में भगदड़ की घटना अत्यंत दुखद है। मैं हताहत हुए श्रद्धालुओं के परिवारजनों के प्रति शोक-संवेदना व्यक्त करती हूं और ईश्वर से प्रार्थना करती हूं कि घायल हुए सभी श्रद्धालु शीघ्र ही स्वस्थ हों।
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 29, 2025
Similarly, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also conveyed his sympathies to the families in mourning. He described the incident at the ongoing Mahakumbh as deeply tragic and expressed his sincere condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Singh noted that the Uttar Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is providing assistance to the victims.
Mahakumbh DIG Vaibhav Krishna stated that police are investigating the cause of the incident, which took place as thousands of devotees gathered for a ritual bath known as Amrit Snan. He mentioned that significant crowds are expected, with over 100 million devotees anticipated to attend.
SSP Kumbh Mela Rajesh Dwivedi clarified that while a stampede-like situation occurred due to overcrowding, it was not an actual stampede and that the situation is under control. He urged people not to believe any rumors and reassured that all necessary arrangements for the Amrit Snan are in place, including upgraded ghats for the devotees to use. However, he did not have specific figures regarding casualties or injuries.